TD
Just outside the tunnel entrance of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, there is a statue of Terry Donahue, the winningest coach in Pac 12 and UCLA Football history.
At the start of each football season, it became habitual for me to check in with Coach Donahue.
I would either call him or send him an email, depending upon my circumstances.
Those of us who were fortunate enough to have been coached by TD know just how eternally optimistic, enthusiastic, and inspirational he always was.
It was contagious. And for me, it was therapeutic.
He touched the lives of so many of us.
Coach Donahue passed away on July 4th, 2021, after a long-fought battle with cancer. Before his passing, he and Andrea (his wife) sent a video out to the team to let us all know that he was still in the fight, and to wish us well—as he's always done.
While I can't share the video, as July begins, I would like to share my last personal correspondence with TD; an email he sent to me at the start of the 2019 season, in hopes that you might remember Coach as the month begins...
"Randy great hearing from you!! So appreciate you reaching out to check on me. Undergoing chemo at the present time for cancer. I have completed 6 rounds and have 6 to go. After that a 2nd surgery.
I have a long road to go but I'll make it. You and John both looked terrific. Are you an ambassador or some diplomat? You looked great! Andrea and our 3 girls are all good. We have 9 grandkids and maybe a 10th on the way. Man life flies bye quickly. The Bruins finally won a game last night up in Pullman. A terrific win. We came back from being down 31 points in the 3rd quarter to win 67 to 63!!
Yikes that is right 67 to 63. Be thankful you weren't playing defense. We gave up 9 TD passes and over 700 yards of offense and 63 points and won!! It truly was an incredible effort. I think it will
really help us the rest of the season. Hope you and all your loved ones are well. I want to thank you for all you did for me my family and UCLA football during your career! We built a wonderful program and you were an important part of it!! Love ya man!!
TD"
Rest in Peace, Coach Terry Donahue